Gatwick Restaurant Review

Read our Gatwick Restaurant Review below. Airports are not known for their culinary delights and an expensive meal can often turn out to be a disappointment.

I have scoured all the Reviews on Trip Advisor (to save you doing it) to come up with a current consensus of opinion on what they have to offer.

There are numerous coffee shops and outlets for snacks at the airport but I have concentrated on those serving meals.

Trip Advisor awards up 5 ‘stars’ based on all aspects of reviews posted. It is telling that none of Gatwick’s restaurants have managed that accolade!

Sadly there are a number of them who don’t even make 3 so I have not included them.

The most striking thing about analysing the reviews is the contrasting opinions. Even the ones earning 4 stars have the odd very disgruntled diner who posts a poor review. As with all service industries it can depend on who happens to be working that day.

Armadilli Café & Grill (North Terminal)

3.5 Stars

Serves ‘Santa Fe inspired food’ offering a varied menu which includes the ubiquitous burger as well as some more exotic dishes.

Caviar House & Prunier (North & South Terminal)

4 Stars

Serving mainly seafood (although there are some non- fish options) I have to confess that this is my venue of choice.

The consensus is that it is quite pricey but nice for a treat. The prices and the mainly seafood menu make it less popular than many of the other restaurants so less of a ‘bun fight’ to get something before your flight.

Comptoir Libanais (North Terminal)

4 stars

A taste of the Middle East has come to Gatwick with dips, mezzes, flatbreads, tagines and wraps.

Mostly good reviews on food occasional staff issues.

Garfunkels (North Terminal)

3.5 stars

A familiar chain with a wide menu including breakfast, burgers, pizzas etc.

The reviews are a mixed bag from ‘Terrible’ to ‘Great’. Diners sometimes not happy with slow or grumpy service.

Grain Store (South Terminal)

No TA page for Gatwick yet. London branch 3.5 stars

This is the newest addition to the restaurants at Gatwick. It has a big write up about locally sourced food and a varied menu on the Gatwick site and it sounds wonderful.

However, I did find a review on the London TA page from someone who had eaten at the new Gatwick Grain Store, only 1 star and a very disgruntled diner who paid £20.50 for breakfast with a coffee and orange juice.

The Grain Store are part of the new Gatwick promise to serve food within 15 minutes of ordering. So at least you know it will be quick!

Jamie’s Italian (North Terminal) 3 stars

As you can gather from the rating there are lots of really scathing reviews which mixed with the better ones have bought down their score.

The good thing is though, that this is the only restaurant at Gatwick who answer their TA reviews and want to know more from dissatisfied diners. This is a sign that they do want to improve.

Nandos (South Terminal)

3 stars

Well known Afro-Portugese chain serving flame grilled chicken. If you are not familiar with Nando’s many of the dishes are spicy. The menu gives you an idea how hot the dishes are.

Some complaints about food, but more about poor service. I guess most people using Nando’s would already have an idea of the food they are likley to get.

The Flying Horse (South Terminal)

3 stars

This a Wetherspoons pub serving similar food to the High Street Wetherspoons only rather more expensive.

Complaints are mostly about the food but also about the service.

They do a range of Craft beers which have gained them a good few positive reviews.

The Red Lion (North Terminal)

3.5 stars

Another Wetherspoon’s pub serving the usual fare.

Most of the reviewers are fairly happy with the food. However, the staff come in for a good deal of criticism. Also It would also seem to be mad busy a lot of the time making it very difficult to even get to the bar. Let alone get served.

Given that this is the case, they have done well to get the 3.5 stars.

Wagamama (North and South Terminal)

4 stars

Japanese and Asian chain restaurant. There are only 19 reviews but almost all of them are positive.

They also have an English breakfast menu which would seem to be well received.

Only one complaint about slow service.

Wonder Tree (South Terminal)

4 stars

Family restaurant, offering two-speed dining. Help yourself in the café or relax over a leisurely meal in the restaurant.

There is a big contrast in the reviews, from excellent 5 star reviews to terrible 1 star reviews.

On the whole the reviews about breakfast were very good. It is the odd review where the service has been poor that let them down.

Conclusion

Clearly the food and the level of service has some way to go at Gatwick and the very mixed reviews show that it can be a lottery.

If you are staying at Springwood, even if you are leaving very early, take advantage of our early self -service breakfast which is included in your room rate. Juices, hot drinks, fresh fruit salad, yogurts, a range of cereals, pastries, toast or toasted muffins and crumpets and home- made preserves are all there for the taking.

It might be better than joining the lottery above and spend what you save in the Duty Free!

What people have said…

We’ve stayed here the night before we fly to the sunshine state for the last 3 years. Springwood is a credit to all the hard work Sue and Lee have put in, particularly the art decor interior. We’ve already booked again for next year!

J Lewis

5* A lovely welcome and stay.- Thank-you

Steve & Maggie K

I’ve stayed here twice now and wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. This is the best way to start and finish your holiday. Springwood has the perfect formula which works well and I will definitely use them again if I fly from Gatwick.

Jacqueline W

We have used Springwood for several years for all our flights from Gatwick. We use their on-site parking service and airport shuttle. The art deco themed decoration with much original period furniture is a memorable touch.

Elizabeth C

You’ve taken a lot of care to to get your place right, well done. Great stay.

John & Pauline L

Highly recommend if you are using Gatwick and even if just wanting a short stay as the local area was very nice with several places nearby for food etc. Excellent service and a great start to our holiday.

Rory P

Great for the airport and handy for London. The Art Deco in the bedrooms is fantastic. Really hospitable owners, even free transfers.
Sue Ringle

I can highly recommend

So many lovely touches. Very comfortable overnight stay. Love the decor.

Anne & Brian H

Thank-you Sue, Lee & Sandy for making our stay so special. Perfect accommodation and surroundings. We would have no hesitation in coming back and recommending you to friends and family.

Michael & Anne C

We use Springwood regularly when flying from Gatwick. The service is always so friendly and helpful and Sue and Lee have gradually refurbished the house to the excellent standard it is today. Nothing to fault!

David B

9/10 rating from The Telegraph

"Guests are assured a friendly, professional welcome and international visitors can relax in the knowledge that owner Sue has all bases covered in terms of airport transportation and local tips."